Powerful Mary Poppins Quotes For A More Positive Life

In case you haven’t heard the winds in the East or felt a mist coming in, here’s what’s brewing: Mary Poppins Returns!

Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family with a word of advice (and many extraordinary things) so they can find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss.

I am literally counting the days and have been excited about it since the 2017 D23 Expo live-action movie announcements and I have some Mary Poppins quotes to set the tone.

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Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS is an all-new original musical and sequel, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect delightful nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure.

Of course, we can never forget Julie Andrews in this iconic role, blue hat and all!

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Lin-Manuel Miranda, aka THE ONE AND ONLY, plays Mary Poppins’ friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light — and life — to the streets of London.

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As if that weren’t enough Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, Dick Van Dyke, and Angela Lansbury will also be in the film!

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I anticipate we’ll get plenty of P. L. Travers wisdom in our Mary Poppins sequel, too!

Best Mary Poppins Quotes from Our Beloved Classic Film

Let’s recap some of the most positive Mary Poppins quotes, the ones that remind us of our favorite magical and brilliant nanny and the joy she brings!

The entire film is filled with endearing quotes that can be applied to our everyday life and that created movie magic in one of Disney’s most endearing classic musical films.

If you’re a child at heart, like I am, these Mary Poppins quotes will make you want to sing Chim Chim Cher-ee!

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“Practically perfect in every way.” ~ Mary Poppins

This is probably the most memorable quote P.L. Travers quote, and though perfection does not exist and there are no perfect people, the message is that you are perfect enough in every way, just as you are. Embrace it!

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“I never explain anything.” ~ Mary Poppins

This is one of my favorite quotes from Mary Poppins because I’m learning that NO is a complete sentence.

You can say NO without saying why, without explaining yourself. You can also say YES without owing anyone an explanation!

“Well, if you must you must.” ~ Mary Poppins

There’s so much peace in allowing people to do what they think is right and make their own mistakes, or at least to have the humility to admit that their path may not end up after being a mistake, after all.

“I’ll stay till the wind changes.” ~ Mary Poppins

It’s wise to know when it’s time to move on. Sometimes we stay in toxic situations, situations we’ve outgrown, and situations that don’t serve us, simply out of fear to not seem flaky or to seem loyal.

“Oh, I make it a point never to give references.” ~ Mary Poppins

It’s good to start clean and let your qualifications and your actions speak for themselves. Like my friend Les Brown says, someone’s opinion of you doesn’t have to become your reality.

“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun.” ~ Mary Poppins

Every chore, task, or job we do is out of choice.

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We could always opt-out! So, why not find some fun in it? And if there’s no fun to be found, we can add our own!

“I *am* kind, but *extremely* firm.” ~ Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins has a cheery disposition and she is *never cross.* She plays games of all sorts, and even has “rosy cheeks and everything,” as little Michael Banks noticed.

This doesn’t mean she is a doormat; however. Being kind is non synonymous with people-pleasing; you must set firm, clear, and healthy boundaries for any relationship to succeed. 

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“Well Begun is Half-Done.” ~ Mary Poppins

This proverb is attributed to Aristotle and it assures us that when we begin well, finishing the task, project, or chore we have endeavored will become easier to finish, and in fact, it almost assures success!

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“Let’s go fly a kite!” ~ George Banks

Normally, if you someone tells you to go fly a kite, it’s a quite direct way of telling you to disappear, go away, and leave them alone, but it can be a gift.

When we let go, it’s like we now have wings and can soar, feet are firm on the ground. A new adventure enfolds if you choose to find it.

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“That’s a piecrust promise. Easily made, easily broken.” ~ Mary Poppins

I guess the message here is beware of piecrust promises.

Keeping your agreements is absolutely essential to be happy and successful, especially the agreements you make with yourself.

“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, in the most delightful way!” ~ Mary Poppins

This Disney song is not just about adorable children taking their castor oil medicine. Just a little adjustment in your attitude can make something more pleasant, or at least more tolerable. 

“There’s the whole world at your feet.” ~ Mary Poppins

You may feel like you’re stuck sometimes, but there’s a whole world of opportunities, possibilities, and potential you can tap into. It’s a lovely thing about being alive.

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 “… Childhood slips like sand through a sieve … and all too soon they’ve up and grown, and then they’ve flown.” ~ Mary Poppins

We only get 18 Summers with our children! You can definitely pursue other interests besides motherhood, but do be intentional so you don’t do it at the expense of the most precious people in your life, believing the lie of someday.

“Why do you *always* complicate things that are really quite simple?” ~ Mary Poppins

Simplify. It’s one of those beautiful life lessons I’m still learning every day.

“Never judge things by their appearance… even carpetbags. I’m sure I never do.” ~ Mary Poppins

Can you be sure you never judge? Me neither.

Everyone judges, but those who judge least are the ones that at least strive to make sure they never do. You get what I mean.

As a matter of fact, it’s a matter of substance, not a matter of looks!

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“Don’t you know that everybody’s got a Fairyland of their own?” ~ Mary Poppins

I think this is one of the most underestimated Mary Poppins quotes, because it is so enlightening!

Our imagination is powerful and we have instant access to it. Our imagination can add that bit of magic we need in our day.

We worry so much and often imagine the worst-case scenario, but we can use our imagination to create dreams, magic, and wonder, instead. 

“People who get their feet wet must learn to take their medicine.” ~ Mary Poppins

I’m an old-fashioned Latina mom when it comes to walking barefoot on the cold tile, so this one is quite literal for me.

If you make a choice, you must take personal responsibility, learn to deal with the consequences and be quick to find a solution. Blaming, whining, and complaining won’t help anyone.

“See for yourself.” ~ Mary Poppins

I teach my daughters to be students, thinkers, and ponderers. Don’t believe everything you see or hear; don’t believe what you think when you first see or hear it, either.

You possess amazing faculties to help you imagine, experience, and believe everything on your own.

“Anything can happen if you let it.” ~ Mary Poppins

Sometimes we are the only ‘thing’ standing in the way of what we want.

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Meditate on this: What is something that you can allow in your life? 

“Sometimes a person we love, through no fault of their own, can’t see past the end of his nose.” ~ Mary Poppins

The Bible tells us that Jesus said these words in the cross: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).

Sometimes it’s hard to realize that those who hurt us sometimes have no idea what they are doing, the damage they are causing, and the degree of our suffering.

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It’s even harder to think that these people would act in such ways “through no fault of their own,” but this understanding can be the source of great peace. In most cases, if they knew what they were doing, they wouldn’t do it.

“Enough is as good as a feast.” ~ Mary Poppins

Sometimes we get sold on the idea that we need MORE of this or that to be fulfilled.

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This English proverb means that there is no point in having more than you need or want. It’s not about settling, but in recognizing there’s no value in excess. 

“I believe a trial period would be wise.” ~ Mary Poppins

Daring to take risks is part of success in some cases, but careful consideration can help prevent catastrophes in others, especially when you have doubts going in.

“Open different doors. You may find a you there that you never knew was yours.” ~ Mary Poppins

When you try something new, you always discover something new about yourself. In one of my favorite books, we read: “Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him.”

These are my favorite quotes from the one and only Mary Poppins. She’s always ready to deliver the good word, sing songs, and play games!

There are also many great quotes from Mr. Banks, Mrs. Banks, Mr. Dawes, Ellen, Jane, Michael, Uncle Albert, our friend Bert and even The Bird Woman!

What are your favorite quotes from Mary Poppins? Share any other Mary Poppins quotes you love or any quotes from other characters in the comments below.

Elayna is a single mom of 4, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 4x TEDx speaker. Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results, so you can have the wealth, opportunities, and freedom you deserve. Connect with Elayna Fernández at thepositivemom.com/keynote-speaker and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.

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